Emelwerda College and the VariO Education Group are struggling to fund their contributions to the planned school campus in Emmeloord, which is estimated to cost €61.8 million. The municipality of Noordoostpolder said VariO must make sharp budget cuts to meet its obligations, while Emelwerda’s weak financial position means it cannot currently meet its obligations. The municipality is examining a payment arrangement for Emelwerda.

The schools still intend to make their promised contributions, including €800,000 from VariO and €250,000 from Emelwerda for additional costs, on top of their joint €6.8 million contribution. The municipality said the situation poses risks to further development of the project and will provide more details in December, with the investigation due to finish early next year. The campus is scheduled to open in 2029.